Reindeer, snow, Santa kicks off holiday season in Rialto

A trip to the North Pole is closer than ever as Rialto brings Santa’s Village to downtown this weekend – complete with live reindeer and fresh snow!

The festivities are all new attractions to the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade Dec. 2 and 3.

The holiday season kicks into high gear Friday evening at Rialto City Hall with a tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, camel rides, holiday treats and musical performances. Festivities run from 6 to 8 p.m.

But the holiday cheer doesn’t stop there.

The celebration continues Saturday at 10 a.m. with a Holiday Parade and Vendor Fair. Newly re-elected Mayor Deborah Robertson will serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s parade, which showcases school marching bands and drill teams, floats and community members. The parade also includes a longer route and starts at Etiwanda and Riverside avenues, continues south on Riverside Avenue then westbound to Rialto Avenue with the parade ending at the Civic Center, “Santa’s Village,” 150 S Palm Avenue.

At the Village, holiday revelers can enjoy a variety of activities including a fresh snow playground, an inflatable ice castle, arts and crafts, a carnival slide, and train rides on the Rialto Express. Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be available inside council chambers.

While all events are free and open to the public, donations of canned goods and new toys will be accepted at both events and will benefit Rialto Police Department’s Hearts to Share program to help provide gifts for children during the holiday, along with Rialto Child Assistance.

To learn more about Rialto’s holiday festivities, call 909-421-4949.